South America Shore Excursions
Port-by-port shore excursions for cruises around South America, from Rio and Buenos Aires to Cape Horn, Valparaíso, Lima and Cartagena.
Find your port »Plan Your Day Ashore
A South American cruise strings together some of the most varied port days anywhere. One week you are riding the cog train up Corcovado above Rio, the next you are watching sea lions in the Beagle Channel or walking the funicular-linked hills of Valparaíso. Many itineraries run between Buenos Aires and Valparaíso around Cape Horn, while others work up the Brazilian coast or call at Lima and Cartagena on the way to or from the Panama Canal.
Each port page below explains where ships tie up or anchor, how far the main sights are, and which kinds of tours make sense for a single day ashore. Live tour listings sit underneath, so you can compare city tours, wildlife trips, wine outings and private drivers for that exact stop.
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ViatorTours, prices and reviews from Viator, a Tripadvisor company — prices are per person, from, and were checked November 8, 2026. South America Shore Excursions may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you. Always allow a generous buffer to be back on board before all-aboard time.
Want a custom South America port day?
Tell us your ship, dates, ports and interests. A cruise specialist can arrange private or small-group port days with pier pick-up and a prompt return to your ship.
Request a custom shore plan »South America Shore Excursions — FAQ
When do most South America cruises sail?
Most voyages, especially those rounding Cape Horn, run during the southern summer, roughly November through March, when Patagonian weather is at its mildest and penguin colonies are active. Ports in Colombia and northern Brazil see ships in other months too.
Which languages will I hear ashore?
Portuguese in Brazil, English in the Falkland Islands, and Spanish almost everywhere else. Guided tours are offered in English at all of the major cruise ports, but a few phrases of Spanish or Portuguese help at markets and cafés.
What happens if weather cancels a tender port?
Stops such as Stanley, Punta del Este and Búzios rely on tender boats, and high wind or swell can cancel the call. Tours booked through reputable platforms are normally refunded when the ship cannot reach port, but read the cancellation terms before you book.
How much time should I leave to get back to the ship?
Plan to be back at the pier at least an hour before the all-aboard time. Traffic into and out of big cities such as Lima, Rio and Buenos Aires can be slow, and the longer excursions to São Paulo, Santiago or Península Valdés involve hours on the road.